Commuters across Metro Manila will enjoy free rides on major train lines on Friday, December 20, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on his social media account on Thursday.
The initiative applies to the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 (LRT-1 and LRT-2) and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).
The free rides will cover the entire day, from the opening to the closing of the lines’ revenue operations, benefiting an estimated 1.1 million passengers—the highest recorded daily ridership this year.
Many of these passengers are expected to travel to key transportation hubs such as bus terminals in Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, Cubao, and North Avenue, as well as the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
“This initiative is a simple way to help reduce the costs for our fellow citizens busy preparing for Christmas,” said President Marcos.
“We hope this provides relief and allows everyone to feel the care of the government during the holiday season,” he added.
According to Acting Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez, December 20 was chosen because it is traditionally the busiest day for train passengers ahead of Christmas.
Chavez said the free rides will be fully subsidized by the Office of the President.
“This means that the revenues that LRMC (Light Rail Manila Corp.) for Line 1, LRTA (Light Rail Transit Authority) for Line 2, and DOTr (Department of Transportation) for MRT-3 would have earned on this day will be reimbursed by the Office of the President,” said Chavez.
This holiday initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to providing practical support for Filipinos amid rising transportation costs and economic challenges.
Further announcements regarding public transportation and holiday-related programs are anticipated as the Christmas season progresses.
